Beginning as a smaller kingdom along the eastern side of the Niger River, Songhai territory expanded dramatically beginning with the reign of Sunni Ali (1464-1492). The Songhai Empire replaced the Mali Empire as the most important state in West Africa, covering the modern states of Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, and Burkina Faso. Following a defeat at the Battle of Tondibi in 1591, the Songhai Empire collapsed. In 1590, al-Mansur took advantage of the recent civil conflict in the empire and sent an army under the command of Judar Pasha to conquer the Songhai and gain control of the Trans-Saharan trade routes.

The empire experienced a period of stability and a string of military successes during the reign of Askia Daoud.Īskia Ishaq II, the last ruler of the Songhai Empire, ascended to power in a long dynastic struggle following the death of Daoud. Askia's relatives attempted to govern the empire, but political chaos and several civil wars within the empire ensured the empire's continued decline, particularly during the rule of Askia Ishaq I. Ture instituted political and economic reforms throughout the empire.Ī series of plots and coups by Askia's successors forced the empire into a period of decline and instability. His son and successor, Sonni Bāru, was overthrown by Muhammad Ture, one of his father's generals. Under the rule of Sonni Ali, the Songhai surpassed the Malian Empire in area, wealth, and power, absorbing vast areas of the Mali Empire. Songhai rulers subsequently took advantage of the weakened Mali Empire to expand Songhai rule. As the Mali Empire started to disintegrate, the Songhai reasserted control of Gao.

Gao remained under Malian command until the late 14th century.

Mali conquered Gao near the end of the 13th century. 1464–1493), but it was later replaced by the Askia dynasty (1493–1901).ĭuring the second half of the 13th century, Gao and the surrounding region had grown into an important trading center and attracted the interest of the expanding Mali Empire. Initially, the Songhai Empire was ruled by the Sonni dynasty ( c. The Akan state of Bonoman was located to the south of the empire. Other important cities in the empire were Timbuktu and Djenné, where urban-centered trade flourished they were conquered in 14 respectively. Sonni Ali, sometimes referred to as Sonni Ali Ber, established Gao as the capital of the empire, although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century. The state is known by its historiographical name, derived from its largest ethnic group and ruling elite, the Songhai people. At its peak, it was one of the largest African empires in history. The Songhai Empire (also transliterated as Songhay) was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries.

A Show of Force by Ryk Brown